The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

396 CARIMATA STRAIT. [cuAr. vin.
island, which island should on no account be sighted until it is known
to bear eastward of N.E. Having passed Pulo Kumpal or Rendezvous
island, a course should be shaped to pass eastward of Ontario reef,
visible at half ebb, between which and Elack rocks there are no known
dangers ; Carimata, Serutu, and the adjacent islands affording good objects
for determining the position. Montaran islands will answer a similar
purpose if she pass westward.
(Vessels may pass westward of Ontario reef, or between it and Montaran
islands, avoiding Flying Fish reef, which lies 13 miles southward of it,
Condor reef of 2^ fathoms situated about 7 miles northward of those islands,
and Florence Adelaide reef to the north-westward. The passage eastward
of Ontario reef is to be preferred.)
Having brought Serutu island to bear East about 5 miles, course may be
shaped as requisite, observing that Carimata peak kept eastward of S.E., or
Serutu summit S.S.E. ^ E., leads westward of Gwalia reef and the reefs
northward of it.
Vessels passing northward through Carimata strait during the months
of December, January, and February, (the strength of the north-west
monsoon) generally keep near the coast of Borneo to avoid the strong
southerly current ; and pass into the China sea through Greig channel or
Inner channels, see below ; China sea continued in Vol. II., page 24.
Prom tlie Nortliward, in the north-west monsoon period, the
channel eastward of Ontario reef should be taken. Approach Serutu
island between the bearings of S.E. and S.E. by E., passing 4 or 5 miles
westward of it, observing that the west extreme of the island kept westward
of N. -J W., leads eastward of Ontario reef. Thence the peak of that
island may be gradually brought to bear N.W. by N., astern, until lost sight
of, which direction being preserved leads well to the eastward of Catherine
reef. Vessels may pass westward of Ontario reef, avoiding Plying Fish
and Condor reefs lying between it and Montaran islands.
From a position 10 miles eastward of Catherine reef, a S.S.E. course
should lead in the fairway, and about 15 mUes eastward of Discovery East
bank, clear of all dangers.
Prom the northward, when the south-east monsoon is strong, vessels get
smoother water and less current in Greig and Inner channels.
In. thick "weather, and not certain of the position of the vessel, the
best way is to borrow towards the Borneo coast, to get a sight of the land
if circumstances admit, and take a new departure from Rendezvous island,
avoiding the shoals extending 30 mUes southward of Pulo Mangkap.
GREIG AND INNER CHANNELS.—Vessels working
through Carimata strait have to take either the Greig, or Inner channel, east-
ward of Carimata islands, the main strait being impracticable on account ofthe